Main Menu

Secondary Menu

Charm Bracelet From Paper Beads

Introduction: Charm Bracelet From Paper Beads

This charm bracelet is made from paper beads which, when glazed, are incredibly durable and splash proof.

I first designed the template for this bracelet in 2015 and made myself a bracelet. I wore the bracelet in one of my YouTube tutorials and was contacted by subscribers asking if I made it and if so, would I do a tutorial.

I have added the YouTube video here for people who like movie tutorials and also, to demonstrate the stringing method as it can be hard to learn from still images.

This time around, I made slight improvements to the original design.

People often ask me where I get my supplies so now I put links to resources on my blog to give people an idea of what they need and where to get them.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need:

1) Paper Bead Templates (available in my Etsy shop)

2) Cutting Matt, Scalpel and metal ruler

3) A light blue dye based ink pad

4) A paper bead rolling tool

5) A glue stick

6) A glazing medium and brush

7) Tooth picks

8) Florist's oasis

9) A tapered stick such as a paint brush to hold beads still while glazing

10) One charm for each bead (approx 15 to 18 depending on wrist size)

11) A 6mm split ring for each charm

12) 15 - 18 small decorative silver beads with 1mm hole

13) 5.5 feet of 1mm round black elastic

Links to supplies can be found on my blog if you need them.

Step 2: Print and Cut the Template Into Strips

You can either get my template or design your own.

The first thing you need to do is print the template out on 120gsm (32lb) satin paper.

Next you need to cut the bead strips out.

When you have cut them all, take the dye based blue ink and run the pad along the side and top edges.

This makes the ends of the beads blue once they are rolled.

Step 3: Roll the Beads

Then you need to roll the beads (see embedded video for how to do this).

Stick the ends down with the glue stick and remove from roller.

Do this with all the bead strips. You will need between 15 and 18 beads, depending on your wrist size.

When all the beads are rolled, to give them a more finished look, I take a light blue sharpie and color in the white just inside the top and bottom bead holes.

You don't have to do this but I prefer to take the time to do that as it makes the beads look much nicer on your wrist.

Step 4: Glaze the Beads and Leave to Dry.

Take your first bead and slide onto the tapered handle of a paint brush.

Push it down until it is snug enough not to spin round when you paint the glaze on.

Using you chosen glazing medium (I always use Glossy Accents because it gives a lovely hard shine to the beads), put up to three coats of glaze on each bead. Leave to dry for up to an hour between coats.

Transfer each bead to its own toothpick and stick the toothpick into the block of florist's oasis to dry.

Step 5: When Dry, Flatten the Beads.

When the beads are thoroughly dry, pinch each one between your thumb and index finger to flatten slightly (this makes the beads sit better on your wrist).

My first bracelet had round beads but I prefer this second one with the flatter beads.

Step 6: Time to Thread Your Beads and Charms!

Take a least 5.5feet of the 1mm round black elastic - you need this much because ladder stringing takes up a lot of elastic.

You need to add one split ring to each charm and have them, and your tiny decorative silver beads beside you ready to thread.

To see how to string these beads into a cuff, please watch the embedded YouTube tutorial I made for this project.

As you go through the stringing process, you need to add one tiny decorative bead to the top of the beads and one charm to the bottom.

The tying off method is also shown in the video.

Step 7: That's It!

Now all you need to do is wear your bracelet or give it away as a beautiful handmade gift.